Over the decades, MPR has presented the many different perspectives of Minnesota politics and politicians. This collection is home to a multitude speeches, interviews and debates on the issues of the day. Important topics of civil rights, environment, crime, budget, legislation, and campaigns are addressed.
Click on link to these well-known figures to see audio segments directly related to them: Michele Bachmann Arne Carlson Keith Ellison Hubert Humphrey Amy Klobuchar Eugene McCarthy Walter Mondale Tim Pawlenty R.T. Rybak Jesse Ventura Paul Wellstone
October 27, 2015 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on the disparity of people of color in state legislature. When Peggy Flanagan, executive director of the Children's Defense Fund-Minnesota wins election to the Minnesota House, she'll join an exclusive club. A member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, Flanagan will become one of only a handful of legislators of color at the Capitol.
April 21, 2016 - MPR’s Tom Weber talks with Minority Leader in the House Representative Erin Murphy, a representative of St. Paul; and Peggy Flanagan, representative of St. Louis Park. The two legislators discuss how members of the DFL party are critiquing how well candidates of color have, or haven't, found success in gaining their party's endorsement at local conventions.
April 26, 2016 - MPR’s Tom Weber highlights state legislators paying tribute to Prince after his death on April 21st, 2016. Segment includes audio of state representatives Peggy Flanagan and Mike Freiberg performing “Purple Rain” on the floor of the Minnesota House.
October 5, 2016 - On this segment of MPR News with Tom Weber program, MPR’s Doualy Xaykaothao present an interview with co-founders of Maiv-PAC, the nation's first-ever Hmong American political action committee. The group sees it as another way to engage on issues of immigration, education, gender equity, and racial justice.
December 12, 2016 -
January 17, 2017 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews DFL U.S. Representative Tim Walz about President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, David Shulkin. Shulkin currently serves in the VA Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health. He was appointed to that position by President Barack Obama in 2015.
January 19, 2017 - This MPR News with Tom Weber feature takes a look back to January 20th, 1977, when Minnesota’s Walter Mondale was sworn in as the Vice President of the United States. Segment includes interview excerpts, descriptions of Inauguration Day, and audio of the complete swearing in of Mondale.
March 4, 2017 - MPR’s Mark Steil reports on southern Minnesota town hall meeting U.S. Representative Tim Walz had with constituents. There was a lot of interest regarding President Trump’s allegation that his phones were tapped and Trump’s recent immigration policies.
March 27, 2017 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with MPR’s Brian Bakst about Congressman Tim Walz’s announcement that he is running for governor. They discuss how this shakes up the 2018 Minnesota political landscape.
May 10, 2017 - As part of MPR Day in Mankato, All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with Minnesota's 1st District Congressman Tim Walz at the historic Kato Ballroom. Topics include the unique aspects of his district, Affordable Care Act, and Trump’s firing of FBI director.